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Herschel, John in author 
1840-1849::1846::12 in date 
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From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Whewell
Date:
[1846-12]
Source of text:
TC, Camb. Add. Ms.R.18.143
Summary:

Returns, with comments, proofs of WW's hexameter translation. Favors encouraging theoretical more than observational work regarding terrestrial magnetism.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[3 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.48 (C: RS:HS 25.9.25)
Summary:

Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of R.A.S., but will be unable to attend most meetings. JH's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of JH's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word "priority."'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Augustus De Morgan
Date:
[4 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 6.231 & 22.290
Summary:

Would not like to become President and shirk the duties it involves, but if the R.A.S. cannot find someone else for the President then he will consent to let his name go forward. Has had a letter from W. H. Smyth on the same subject.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
George Biddell Airy
Date:
[4 December 1846]
Source of text:
RGO 6.9.79
Summary:

Asks a number of questions that need answers before considering the purchase of a large new telescope for the Royal Observatory.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
Date:
[8 December 1846]
Source of text:
TxU:H/L-0591.10; Reel 1058
Summary:

JH is working hard on his Cape Results.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[17 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.49 (C: RS:HS 25.9.26)
Summary:

Does not want the R.A.S. to make any assertions with respect to priority regarding the discovery of Neptune: '...though Neptune ought to have been born an Englishman and a Cambridge man every inch of him,' you will never make 'an English Discovery of it do what you will.' States that [J. C.] Adams is owed much. If The R.A.S. throws down the gauntlet, this will do much 'mischief' and demoralize Adams.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[17 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.50 (C: RS:HS 25.9.27)
Summary:

Would not object if the [R.A.S.] council resolved to give J. C. Adams a medal, but the wording must be carefully considered, especially regarding the word 'discovery.' Presents a 'string of resolutions,' on how to deal with Adams and other contenders in the discovery of Neptune. Leave the question of priority for posterity. If the council sets up Adams as a competitor to U. J. J. Leverrier, JH will reserve to himself 'the privilege of protest.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
George Biddell Airy
Date:
[20 December 1846]
Source of text:
RGO 6.56.171
Summary:

Seeking information to help JH prepare an obituary notice, for the R.A.S., of F. W. Bessel.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[22 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.51 (C: RS:HS 25.9.28)
Summary:

Clarifies his position regarding the resolutions on the R.A.S. medals relating to the discovery of Neptune. Is unwilling to urge that they be accepted by the R.A.S, but can live with them because they contain the truth and nothing 'improper or offensive.' Suggests that if the R.A.S. does adopt these, it may 'prove a more fatal apple of discord than any that has been thrown down among us for years.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
[22 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.291
Summary:

Believes council should decide the handling of the medal over the discovery of Neptune. Thinks that if J. C. Adams receives a medal, U. J. J. Leverrier should receive 'the more prominent distinction.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Augustus De Morgan
Date:
[24 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.292
Summary:

Some comments related to several astronomical publication problems; difficulties with naming the planet [Neptune].

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[25 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.52 (C: RS:HS 25.9.29)
Summary:

Has received the list of six persons proposed by the R.A.S. for its medal, along with who nominated each. Has harsh words for the RAS's actions [regarding the discovery of Neptune] and says it has been badly mismanaged in England. Urges RS to exert his influence with G. B. Airy to get some names removed. At end writes 'Burn this.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[25 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.53 (C: RS:HS 25.9.30)
Summary:

Clarifies some details in his letter to RS of 1846-12-25 on the R.A.S. deliberations regarding giving medals for the discovery of Neptune.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Charles Moxon
Date:
[26 December 1846]
Source of text:
APS B.C831
Summary:

Indicates that JH is unaware of any such constellation as that to which CM has referred.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[26 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.54 (C: RS:HS 25.9.31)
Summary:

Did not understand the steps necessary by the R.A.S. rules and that an appeal to a general meeting was necessary [regarding awarding medals, e.g., for the discovery of Neptune]. Assures him that W. H. Smyth did not write anything of which RS could disapprove. Believes the council has the discretion to deal with anything that comes before it.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
[D. François J. Arago]
Date:
[27 December 1846]
Source of text:
WT 67390.3
Summary:

Is very pleased about FA's biography of JH's father, William. JH comments on what pictures of William Herschel might be available to be included in this biography.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Wilhelm Struve
Date:
[27 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.293
Summary:

Thanks WS for the description of the Pulkowa Observatory. Remarks on the discovery of the new planet [Neptune], 'a most spirit stirring event.' Questions whether a small distant satellite of Jupiter could have escaped detection.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Whewell
Date:
[29 December 1846]
Source of text:
TC, Camb. Add. Ms.a.20770 (C: RS:HS 18.209 †(JH) & RS:HS 22.294)
Summary:

Responding to a published statement by WW regarding the discovery of Neptune, JH presents in detail a different interpretation, giving more credit to U. J. J. Leverrier than WW favored. Suggests that some observatory make a photographic record of sunspots.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project